Out of the dozen plus records Armia have released, „Legenda” (1990) and „Triodante” (1994) are widely regarded as classic Polish rock gems. The band have established their position with hundreds of concerts (with Killing Joke and New Model Army among others) and by appearing at many prestigious festivals in and outside Poland. Their concert activity is documented on such albums as „Exodus” (1991), „Soul Side Story” (2000), „Koncert na 20-lecie” (2006), and „Przystanek Woodstock 2004” (2007).
In 2006 the band released a live DVD called „Koncert na 20-lecie”, which documents the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the band’s formation. Among the guest stars are Kazik Staszewski of Kult, Moskwa, as well as former members Darek Malejonek and Sławek Gołaszewski (with his band Asunta). The 35-song track list includes some legendary Siekiera songs, with an over-an-hour long interview with Tomasz Budzyński added as a bonus.
Over the twenty years of the band’s career, its line-up consisted of many outstanding and distinguished figures of Polish rock music. The Armia of now are: Tomasz Budzyński (voice), Tomasz Krzyżaniak (drums), Krzysztof Kmiecik (bass), Paweł Klimczak (guitar), Rafał Giec (guitar), and Jakub Bartoszewski (French horn).
The power of Armia lies in the combination of Tomasz Budzyński’s poetry with the music which is at the same time sophisticated and expressive, and which merges elements of rock, folk, and even classical music. The use of the unusual instruments for today’s rock standards, such as French horn, flute, cello or violin, renders the band offer unique and guarantees them a special place on the Polish rock scene. Armia remains a band whose original music is not to be pigeonholed. The lyrics abound with references to outstanding works of the world’s literature such as Dante’s „ Divine Comedy” or poems by Samuel Beckett and Artur Rimbaud, as well as Franz Kafka novels, which again makes Armia sensational on a worldwide scale. Tomasz Budzyński’s lyrics call for a serious reflection upon the spiritual condition of man today. The band try to provide the listeners with more than mere entertainment, through their art inviting them to make an existential quest for the meaning of life.
2009 is special in the history of the band, as by the end of November they will have released two brilliant (and so different) records in one year. In February, “der Prozess” was out, another concept-album in Armia’s discography. The very title suggest the link with Franz Kafka’s masterpiece, an inspiration which Tomasz Budzyński does not deny. The album is not an illustration of the book, however, but an individual glance at the existential tragedy of each human being, coloured by the references to Kierkegaard philosophy. Most personal lyrics combined with the aggressive and complex music bring a really stunning effect. Six compositions by Paweł Klimczak make a sophisticated suite with a unique combination of hardcore stylistics with elements of jazz and even the modern avant-garde classical music. The wall of guitars, the fantastic drumming from Tomasz Krzyżaniak and Banan’s fairytale French horn make an uncanny background for the powerful vocals of Tom with theatrical touches.
Yet at the moment Armia have just finished working at the brand new album called „Freak”, which is to be released on 20 November 2009, by Isound Labels. Sensationally, founder members Robert Brylewski and Sławomir Gołaszewski took part in the session. Apart from the characteristic psychedelic guitars by Afa and the magic instruments by Merlin, the album features some free-jazz saxophones by Marek Pospieszalski and Łukasz Kluczniak (who has already contributed to the band’s concerts), as well as the otherworldly accordion from Karol Nowacki and some backing vocals from Gerard Nowak of The Soundrops. The album is produced by Tomasz Budzyński and the material has been recorded at Robert Lica Friedrich’s studio in Puszczykowo near Poznań.
“Freak”, which little resembles the monumental sound of “der Prozess”, comes as a complete stylistic shift for Armia. The fact that all the tracks are sung by Tomasz Budzyński in English only adds to the novelty of the album.
Armia’s discography:
AntiArmia (1987)
Legenda (1990)
Exodus (1991)
Czas i byt (1992)
Triodante (1994)
Duch (1996)
Droga (1999)
Soul Side Story (2000)
Pocałunek Mongolskiego Księcia (2003)
Ultima Thule (2005)
Koncert na 20-lecie (DVD, 2005)
Przystanek Woodstock 2004 (2006)
Der Prozess (2009)
Freak (2009)
Trzy bajki
Armia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
La
La
La
La
La
La
La
Californi king bed
Tajna mijsja
Bez łez
Gry I bajki
Ha ha ha
Armia's song "Trzy bajki" is a complex and thought-provoking piece that touches on multiple themes and emotions. The title translates to "Three Fairy Tales," and the song explores the darkness and complexity that often lies beneath these seemingly simple stories. The lyrics begin with a repeated "La" sound that creates a dreamlike, almost hypnotic atmosphere, setting the stage for the themes that will follow.
The first two lines, "Slow down, California king bed" may refer to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern society and the need to slow down and take a break. The mention of a king-sized bed from California seems to suggest a life of luxury and excess that can lead to burnout and exhaustion. The next line, "Tajna mijsja" means "Secret place" in English, and the idea of finding a hidden sanctuary from the pressures and expectations of society is a recurring theme throughout the song.
"Bez łez" means "Without tears" and may be read as a call to action to embrace one's emotions and not suppress them. The next line, "Gry I bajki" translates to "Games and fairy tales" and suggests the idea of using escapism through games and stories to cope with the difficulties of life. The final line, "Ha ha ha" seems to be a sarcastic commentary on the idea that life can be reduced to simple stories and easy outcomes.
Overall, "Trzy bajki" is a multi-layered and insightful song that encourages the listener to peel back the surface of stories and fairy tales to examine the deeper truths and meaning behind them.
Line by Line Meaning
La
A meaningless expression used to fill space in the song
La
Another meaningless expression retained for the song's rhythm
La
Yet another meaningless expression added to the song's cadence
La
Repetition of the syllable added to enhance the song's melody
La
Reiteration of the sound used to create a pleasing aural experience
La
Another round of the sound used to supplement the song's rhythm
La
The last occurrence of the meaningless expression used to conclude the repetitive segment
La
Final iteration of the same sound used for musical effect
Slow down
A request made to someone to take things easy or to relax
Californi king bed
A reference to a type of bed mattress brand in California
Tajna mijsja
The secret place which is not meant to be disclosed
Bez łez
Without tears, describing a situation where no one is crying
Gry I bajki
Games and fairy tales, perhaps referring to a happy and carefree childhood
Ha ha ha
The sound of laughter or amusement to end the song on a light note
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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